Opaki trainer Alby MacGregor is having second thoughts about his initial decision to bypass the $45,000 Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) on Saturday week with Bodle.
MacGregor ruled out a start in the Trentham feature after Bodle scored his second win at Hastings on June 23 but on Monday the 10-year-old was among the early list of nominations.
"We've had a wee change of heart and we are now thinking about it," MacGregor said.
"The other owner [Graham Semmens] says if he handles the figure-eight course we should look seriously at it.
"I can see his point, it is likely to be a small field and the race is close to home."
Bodle has created a huge impression in his two runs over country. He has also won seven hurdle races from 27 attempts but was weighted out of the big races so MacGregor switched him to steeplechasing.
Bodle won on debut at Wanganui on June 14 and then swamped his rivals at Hastings in the hands of Jonathan Riddell.
MacGregor said if Bodle can preserve his unbeaten record in the $20,000 novice steeple over 4000m at Trentham this week, and in the process show he can cope with the turning circuit, then it will be all go for the Wellington Steeplechase a week later.
MacGregor said regardless of whether Bodle lines up in the Wellington Steeplechase the plan is still to tackle the $50,000 Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton on August 11.
"If he runs in the Wellington Steeples it still gives us four weeks to the National.
"He is looking well at present and we are having a lot of fun so we'll just keep plugging on."
The other surprise nomination for the Wellington Steeples is the Sheryl Douglas-trained Our Bro. The eight-year-old from Cambridge was supposed to be heading across the Tasman but that is still to be confirmed, said Wellington Racing Club racing manager Blair Thomson.
Also on the early list of nominations are the John Wheeler-trained Wickerman, Sir Avion and Prince Of Clouds and Thomson said Ann Browne had indicated she would be sending down some runners.
- NZPA
Racing: Change of heart about Bodle in steeplechase
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